Supporting quality care through education

The workshop was well-received, with attendees stating it was “fun and informative”, “well organised” and that they “learnt so much”.

The Managing Aggressive Behaviours workshop, held in November 2024, was one of the 11 general practice networking and education events SEMPHN hosted in 2024–25. 

The in-person event was attended by 90 general practice staff from across south east Melbourne, including general practitioners (GPs), practice managers, practice nurses and reception staff.

Larter Consulting Associate Education Consultant Wendy O’Meara, who is also a practice manager with more than 20 years’ experience in general practice, spoke to attendees about how to respond to aggressive behaviour. 

Health professionals, including primary care staff, are often subject to aggressive behaviour. This may occur for various reasons related to health, social or psychological issues or the environment. 

The practical workshop provided participants with the opportunity to discuss and demonstrate effective communication and de-escalation strategies to prevent violence and maintain a safe working environment for all.

The workshop was well-received, with attendees stating it was “fun and informative”, “well organised” and that they “learnt so much”. 

The event also provided an opportunity for general practice staff to network and for SEMPHN to thank our hard-working practices.

The workshops provided a unique opportunity for aged care staff to gain expert knowledge and learn practical skills from leading residential in-reach services, health professionals and expert bodies.

SEMPHN, in partnership with the South East Metro Health Service Partnership, which includes Alfred Health, Monash Health, and Peninsula Health, hosted 2 full-day skills workshops for residential aged care nurses. 

The workshops provided a unique opportunity for aged care staff to gain expert knowledge and learn practical skills from leading residential in-reach services, health professionals and expert bodies.

They included a mix of plenary sessions presented to all attendees, as well as smaller breakout sessions where attendees could pick which topics they were most interested in learning about.

Residential in-reach teams, experienced geriatricians, senior pharmacists, and representatives from advocacy groups and peak bodies facilitated the 2 events. 

The first workshop, held in October 2024, was designed for registered and enrolled nurses and had 49 attendees, who were overwhelmingly positive about the event. This event provided valuable learnings that were carried forward into the design of the second workshop. 

The second workshop, held in May 2025 had 96 attendees. Due to the popularity of the first workshop, SEMPHN extended the invitation for this workshop to include all residential aged care staff in south east Melbourne. The attendees, which included nurses, care coordinators, care managers, quality and education managers, were also very positive about the workshop, stating the event was “very informative and useful” and “a great experience”.